Prairie farmers are facing a challenging harvest season marked by ill-timed rainfall and soaring fuel costs, compounded by ongoing global conflicts and trade uncertainties. In southern Alberta, wheat grower Stephen Vandervalk described the difficulties of navigating an industry heavily dependent on unpredictable weather and long-term investment horizons.

This year’s growing season has been disrupted by unusually wet conditions. A dry early summer gave way to heavy rains during the critical harvest window, delaying crop collection and raising concerns about quality deterioration. “Farmers are fighting mud trying to get out on the fields,” said Rick White, head of the Canadian Canola Growers Association. Shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures are slowing the drying process, further hampering field operations.

Mr. Vandervalk, vice-president of the Wheat Growers Association, noted that while his crop was not the worst he has experienced, the costs involved were unprecedented. Escalating fuel prices—driven by disruptions to global crude oil supplies linked to the Middle East conflict and Ukraine–Russia tensions—have pushed the average Canadian retail price of diesel to over $2.75 per litre, an increase of more than 80 percent compared with last year. Bruce Burrows, executive director at Grain Growers of Canada, highlighted that harvest is one of the most fuel-intensive periods, making these price hikes especially damaging. He suggested a targeted, temporary federal fuel rebate to alleviate some of the financial burden.

Fertilizer costs have also surged due to supply chain disruptions stemming from the same international conflicts. Vandervalk described fertilizer prices as “absolutely astronomical,” adding that while fuel expenses are difficult, the spike in fertilizer costs poses a more severe threat to farm profitability.

Trade tensions have further complicated the situation. Farm Credit Canada’s executive vice-president, J.P. Gervais, reported a resurgence of uncertainty among farmers following the imposition of U.S. tariffs since the spring of 2025, which had previously stabilized. Although agricultural commodities have largely been exempt from the most recent cross-border tariff exchanges, some farm machinery parts imported from the United States remain subject to counter-tariffs. Industry groups remain cautiously optimistic that these tariffs may be mitigated through refund or waiver programs.

Meanwhile, export challenges to China persist. Beijing imposed high duties on Canadian canola products and peas in retaliation for Canadian tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, as well as through anti-dumping investigations. An agreement announced in March temporarily suspended some of these tariffs, but exporters remain concerned about the potential reinstatement of full duties after the suspension expires. Greg Cherewyk, president of Pulses Canada, emphasized the need for certainty to ensure continued trade, warning that importers are hesitant to commit without clear tariff decisions.

Logistical bottlenecks have added to farmers’ difficulties. Industry representatives pointed to congestion at the Port of Vancouver, especially around the Second Narrows bridge that serves bulk export terminals, as a critical impediment. Bruce Burrows described this as a problem of aging infrastructure, noting recent breakdowns that slowed shipments and increased storage costs due to delays. While new infrastructure projects have been a focus of recent government discussions, Burrows urged that maintenance of existing facilities must also be prioritized to support efficient agricultural exports.

As Prairie farmers contend with weather challenges, rising input costs, and complex trade and transportation issues, their ability to adapt will be critical to navigating what is shaping up to be a difficult harvest season.